Jesus Appeared to Peter

In today's lesson, we move to the next section of the creed in 1 Corinthians 15: "...and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve..."

As we start, I want to remind you that we are reflecting on these ancient documents as historical artifacts - not as the Holy Word of God. Of course, they are Scripture too! But we also want to build bridges with our curious friends, with anyone who is a modern-day Doubting Thomas.

So one question we might have is whether or not Jesus really appeared to Peter - or if this was made up.

**First**, notice how interesting the phrasing is: Jesus appeared to Peter. It's not, "Peter experienced Jesus." The main actor is Jesus. It's a small detail, but it fits with what you would expect if the resurrection is reality.

**Second**, consider a point made by Dr. William Lane Craig. He writes, "Then the word 'Cephas' itself. This is Peter that we are taking about – Simon Peter. But Simon Peter is a Greek name. His Aramaic name was Cephas." The use of "Cephas" increases the probability that we have direct access to an extremely early church tradition that says Jesus appeared to Peter.

**Third**, Peter's own claim in Acts 2:29-32 contrasts David and Jesus: David's tomb is with us to this day, but Jesus' flesh did not experience decay. Peter is speaking of the physical resurrection of Jesus' body, a miracle that he claimed to have personally witnessed.

**Fourth**, two separate accounts tell of Jesus appearing to Cephas/Simon and then to the Eleven/the Twelve. This is further confirmation that both Luke and the creed are preserving the original eyewitness testimony.

**Fifth**, Dr. Sean McDowell's research shows "the historical evidence for the martyrdom of Peter is quite convincing. From the first century onward, the unanimous testimony is that Peter died as a martyr."

**Let's bring it all together.** If it's credible that Peter claimed to have seen the bodily risen Jesus, and it's credible that Peter was crucified for his faith in Christ, then what follows?

At a minimum, it increases our confidence that Peter sincerely thought Jesus had appeared to him in his resurrection body. Remember, Peter had spent three years in close physical proximity to Jesus. So how could Peter be wrong about his belief that he had seen Jesus, resurrected from the dead?